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The Day the Earth Stood Still
2008 104 min Canada, United States of America PG-13 18+
★5.1
Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller
Director: Scott Derrickson
🎭 Based on
«Farewell to the Master»
byHarry Bates
Trailers
Description
A representative of an alien race that went through drastic evolution to survive its own climate change, Klaatu comes to Earth to assess whether humanity can prevent the environmental damage they have inflicted on their own planet. When barred from speaking to the United Nations, he decides humankind shall be exterminated so the planet can survive.
Budget:
$80M
US Gross:
$79.37M
Worldwide:
$233.09M
Starring
Keanu Reeves
Actor
Jennifer Connelly
Actor
Kathy Bates
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 2009
— Best Young Performer
Saturn Awards 2009
— Best Science Fiction Film
Razzie Awards 2009
— Worst Sequel, Remake or Ripoff
Key opinion
The 2008 remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still is widely viewed as a technically polished but emotionally hollow experience that fails to recapture the gravitas of the 1951 original. While some viewers appreciate its modern environmental themes and visual spectacle, most criticize the uninspired screenplay and stiff character dynamics.
| Production | The film features high-quality CGI and impressive large-scale visual effects that provide a polished, modern aesthetic. | |
| Acting | Keanu Reeves' performance as Klaatu is divisive, with some seeing his detached, stoic delivery as fitting for an alien, while others label it wooden and uncharismatic. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is widely criticized for being predictable, relying on cardboard characters, and featuring lazy, expository dialogue. | |
| Emotion | The plot suffers from a frustrating lack of emotional depth, failing to make the human stakes feel meaningful or engaging. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the narrative's pacing and structure are mixed, as some viewers find the slow, contemplative approach to the environmental message tiresome, while others find it acceptable for a blockbuster. |